Recommendation for Immunization:
The recommended regimen is 2 doses. The first is given at 12-15 months, not before 12 months. The second dose is given between 4 and 6 years of age. This 2 dose series of vaccine is recommended for older children and adults who are not immune to varicella.

For older children who are not immune, the second dose is given 3 months or more after the first dose until age 13.

For 13 year olds to 18 years olds, the second dose is given at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

For those 19 years and older, the second dose is given 4-8 weeks after the first dose.

For more details on adult dosing, catch-up pediatric dosing and definition of varicella immunity, see the CDC recommendations.

Available brands of this vaccine include:

• Varivax® (only varicella vaccine)
• ProQuad® (combined with measles-mumps-rubella vaccine)

This is a live, attenuated vaccine against varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox.

This vaccine can prevent chickenpox and its complications which can include pneumonia, brain damage, and death.

This vaccine is given in the subcutaneous tissue of the deltoid area.

This vaccine is not recommended for the following individuals: those who have had a serious reaction to gelatin, neomycin, or a prior chickenpox vaccine; those with HIV/AIDS and a CD4+ T lymphocyte count less than 200 cells per microliter; and those with immune suppression including cancer chemotherapy, cancer radiation, immune suppressing medications like steroids, certain immune disorders, recent transfusion, or aspirin therapy. Most people tolerate the shot well. Pain or swelling at the injection site, fever, or a light rash may occur. People with the rash may be contagious. More severe problems like seizure or pneumonia are unusual.

This vaccine is not recommended for women who are pregnant. After vaccination it is recommended to avoid pregnancy for a month. Check with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Individuals with prior severe reactions to this vaccine may not be able to receive another dose. Check with your doctor regarding this issue and for any other contraindications for this vaccine. Also check with your doctor to find out what other ingredients may be in the vaccine, its container, or any diluent in case of allergies or other concerns. Immunization is usually postponed for individuals with a moderate or severe acute illness.

• Immunosuppression from disease or treatments
• Fetus of infected mother at risk for congenital infection
• At risk for severe disease: newborns, older children and adults
• At risk for severe disease: coexisting skin disease like eczema or recent sunburn